Newly diagnosed with Grade 2 ILC, likely early stage. Very anxious.

I was diagnosed with stage 1A grade 2 ILC in 1/25. I felt the same way. I chose bilateral mastectomy which I had in 2/25 because my surgeon told me my cancer had a 15% chance of reoccurring from a surgical perspective with a lumpectomy and a 2% chance of reoccurring with a mastectomy. I was also aware that ILC is the sneaky cancer and likes to come back and I did not want to be worried about mammograms and mris on my remaining breast every six months. I spoke with my plastic surgeon who did the reconstruction prior to making my decision. He clarified that the challenges of repairing radiated skin were many. Finally, I decided I wanted to have two identical breasts and so I made my decision for bilateral mastectomy. There is a book that my surgeon gave me after meeting with her the first time that and I would highly recommend you get it. Honestly it was a blessing when I could get myself to read it. Anxiety in the beginning is hard, but knowledge is power and it actually calmed me to know more and be prepared to ask the right questions. It also has a guide inside to help me make decisions. It had a chapter for loved ones to read too. You can buy it on Amazon and it is well worth the investment. Good luck to you. I was there too and I am through the decision making part. I had HR +HERS- ILC so now take Letrozole for five years. I didn’t have to have chemo or radiation and I have two smaller perky breasts. You aren’t alone. Sending hugs.

Judy C. Kneece
Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook, 10th Edition (2022): Understanding the Disease, Treatments, Emotions and Recovery from Breast Cancer

Thank you for sharing that.
Since size shown on MRI is 1.3 cm, the oncologist and surgeon I’ve seen so far recommend lumpectomy + radiation. At 71, I’m a little concerned about mastectomy being a much more major surgery (plus the reconstruction). But I had lumpectomy in other breast in 2022 (atypical ductal hyperplasia-no cancer found) and have had microcalcifications showing in past three mammograms in left breast-but in completely different place than the ILC. So I also wonder if I opt for lumpectomy/radiation now, am I going to be going through this again in a few years.

The book looks interesting but seems a little dated (?)

Update: I found an updated version of the book (12/2025) but had to purchase from the publisher, EduCare Publishing. Ordered it today 😊

Just take it one day at a time. I went through lumpectomy for same ILC last year at age 77, while living alone and driving about -30 minutes to the cancer center for 15 radiation treatments (piece of cake if one has no mobility issues), and dr./oncology appointments. All clear diagnostic mammo this past May. I find the hormone inhibitor Anastrozole the highest hurdle so far. Find great cancer support groups and such. I have received ongoing, fabulous support from the Cancer Center at the hospital, both on line and a few in person events. Hope you find the same.
You can do it!

I had ILC stage 1 grade 2 estrogen, progesterone positive her2 negative. 1.2 cm mass in right breast. I chose lumpectomy with reconstruction. I have implants now. I went through 4 weeks radiation. Now taking anastrozole for 5 years. I drove myself to the radiation appointments over my lunch hour. I continued to work full-time. I understand your anxiety. Hang in there!

Thank you for responding!
Hoping I won’t need reconstruction. Can that be done after a lumpectomy if I don’t like how my breast looks?
Sounds like it’s okay to have the radiation even with implant. That’s good to know.

@mimig77 that’s amazing!
I’m not at Mayo (living in Texas) but hoping to find a mentor or some one on one support just to help with anxiety and talk therapy. Did you have that?
Interested in how the Anastrozole affects you.
Thanks!